Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge problems and solutions

The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are two major 2016 smartphones stars. These devices have solved some issues by returning some lost features from the Galaxy S5, such as the microSD card and water resistance. But they also have managed to maintain the spectacular Galaxy S6 design (sans the protruding rear camera). But even with these great features, there are still some issue with these devices. Here are the main problems and their solutions.

• Samsung Galaxy S7 review
• Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge review

Jump to a section

• Display problems
• MicroSD issues
• Camera failure
• Buttons not responding
• Distorted audio and humidity warning
• Connectivity problems

Display problems

One of the problems reported by owners of these two devices pertains to the automatic activation of the screen without any user interaction and without receiving any notification.
This can happen for several reasons that have to do with display settings as someone or something approaches the device.

The screen comes and goes sometimes. / © ANDROIDPIT

Solution

To end the inadvertent activation of the screen, you can disable this feature as a preventive remedy until the sensitivity is improved in future updates. You can also modify your application notifications if you think they wake up the screen too often.

MicroSD issues

The S7 has revamped one of the features that owners sorely missed with the Galaxy S6. Despite having Android Marshmallow right out of the box, it does not support the native use of a microSD card as system memory; it only supports it as removable memory.
Some users report receiving some notifications with warnings of problems when microSD cards are first introduced.

Nano and microSD cards. / © ANDROIDPIT

Solution

If you have problems with notifications from microSD cards it is best to ensure all data contained on the card was formatted on a PC or Mac with the program recommended by the SD Association: SD Formatter. If, after formatting, you still have problems with the card, it's better to get a new card before losing some unrecoverable data.

Camera failure

Some users have reported errors when using the camera of the Galaxy S7. It appears that when you click on the camera icon to activate the screen it goes blank and a warning message pops up that says the camera has failed. It seems that the Galaxy S7 suffers from this ailment more often than the Edge.

The S7 camera is impressive. / © ANDROIDPIT

Solution

This problem seems to be caused by the interaction of Smart Stay. This feature uses the front camera to see where you pay attention to the smartphone screen. Apparently, this creates an incompatibility issue when you want to use the rear camera. This feature can be disabled in the settings, but a permanent solution can only be actuated with a software update.

Capacitive buttons not responding

There are reports of owners having a malfunction in the capacitive buttons and physical home button. Apparently, the phone that suffers the most from this problem is the Galaxy S7 Edge.

Solution

Most of these problems could be the result of malfunction in an application. To verify that an application is causing the error, it is best to enter safe mode. To do this, turn off the device and turn it on while holding the button until the Samsung logo appears. Then release it and press the volume button down. In this mode, you can check if an application is the issue.

Distorted audio and humidity warning

Another function that Samsung has revived from the Galaxy S5 is the certificate of resistance to water and dust. In this case, in both S7 devices (and in the Note 7), we can enjoy the security of IP68 certification. In the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge you cannot remove the rear, so at least we spared the problem facing the S5 cover.
But in some smartphones we have encountered problems and warnings about moisture as well as distorted audio because of a headphone jack.

Beware of water, don't put too must trust in water resistance. / © ANDROIDPIT

Solution

It is best to always keep the device dry. That is pretty obvious, but with the water resistance certification, there is a tendency to play fast and loose with this normal caution. Humidity problems are often the result of water accumulated in both the micro USB port and headphone jack. If the Galaxy S7 has had contact with liquids you should dry it well, especially on the connections, before connecting anything. If problems persist put the device in rice or check out some of our other solutions.

Problems with connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Many users report problems related Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth connections. The problems are mainly not being able to connect or lose the signal especially with Wi-Fi networks. While it seems the latest updates have improved the problem, there are still reports of issues.

Solution

Upgrade your device to the latest version of Android. Also, update apps because you may have some problems with them and it might appear as if it's due to the connection. The Wi-Fi antenna for the S7 supports both 2.4 and 5 GHz. Select the default setting as the 2.4 GHz band although it's slower it's more stable.
Are you having any other Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge problems that weren't addressed here? Please let us know in the comments.

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What is USB debugging?

Android's USB debugging feature may sound scary but it's not as complex as it may seem. USB debugging is basically just a way to allow an Android smartphone to transfer information to and from a computer. Below we tell you what exactly it is and how you can use it.

What is USB debugging?

As the name suggests, USB debugging relates to the act of tracking bugs via USB. Traditionally, Android app developers would use this process to test software and find problems using the Android Studio development kit on a computer. Nowadays, it is used by both developers and Android users to assist in tasks such as installing a custom recovery, rooting a device, installing a new ROM and more.

Use debugging software via USB. / © AndroidPIT

How do I enable USB debugging?

To enable USB debugging, you first must enable the 'Developer options' menu in Android (if you haven't already). Here are the complete steps:

• Go to the settings of your device by pulling down the notification shade and hitting the 'cog' icon
• Scroll down to 'About phone'
• Tap on 'build number' about 7 times until you see a message saying Developer options are activated
• Hit back and you will see the Developer options menu appear at the bottom of the settings page
• Tap on it and scroll down until you see USB debugging; press it and hit 'okay' to enable it

Tap the build number seven times to enable developer options (left) and find USB debugging in that menu (right). / © ANDROIDPIT

If you have a device which is running Android 2.3 or earlier, here are the steps to follow:

• Open the settings
• Tap on Applications (sometimes called Apps or App Manager)
• Scroll down until you find the Developer options
• Tap on this and enable USB debugging

Now you're all set, USB debugging has been activated. You will now be able to install custom ROMs to your Android device, or even use your smartphone remotely if you have broken the screen.
Do you have any other questions about USB debugging? Let us know in the comments.

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How to recover deleted text messages on your Android phone

If you've accidentally deleted all your text messages – or even just a single, important message – you need to act fast. Lost messages are recoverable, but only until the portion of memory on which they were saved is over-written by an app update, file download or similar. So grab your phone and computer and learn how to recover deleted text messages on Android.

• How to recover lost data on Android
• How to recover deleted photos on Android

MobiKin Doctor for Android

If you've lost or deleted your text messages and contacts then the fastest way to get them back is to get a quality program that quickly recovers them. MobiKin Doctor for Android is a top-notch system that quickly and effectively recovers all of your text messages. The link below is Mobikin's step-by-step guide for how to proceed with the program:

• How to recover deleted text messages on Android

You can use the program without rooting your phone, though Mobikin guarantees you'll be able to retrieve the full extent of your content if you do. To find out how to root your phone, you can follow the Mobikin method here. Please ensure that you also read our complete guide to rooting.
Another important feature to a text message recovery program is compatibility, and MobiKin Doctor for Android supports over 2,000 Android device models. This innovative program can be used with HTC, Samsung, Motorola, LG, Sony, Asus and many other brands. Check their list of supported Android devices to ensure your phone is compatible (under the Tech Specs tab). The list is extensive, so chances are your smartphone is compatible. We used a Galaxy S6 in the AndroidPIT office, and it worked flawlessly and quickly.
After installing the program on my Windows PC and connecting the device, I was prompted to allow Mobikin access to my phone in seconds. The preview of my text messages on the Mobikin main screen took just 17 seconds, and finally recovering the data and backing them up onto my PC happened instantaneously. Check out the screenshots below to see just how simple Mobikin really is.

Once you plug in your phone, this screen will automatically start. / © Mobikin

Seconds later, Mobikin will have recognized your device. You then decide what type of data you want to recover. / © Mobikin

After just 18 seconds (this may vary slightly), your lost or deleted data will appear. / © Mobikin

And the recovery takes next to no time. Press the button, and the data you have chosen can be saved on your PC. / © Mobikin

It's also worth pointing out that MobiKin Doctor for Android recovers many other types of valuable data, not just text messages. You can retrieve lost or deleted contacts, photos, movies, music, documents and much more. You can recover them in their original format and modify them as you please.
MobiKin Doctor for Android can be downloaded and installed on your computer by clicking on the links below for either a Windows or a Mac computer, to get back all of your lost or deleted text messages.

• Download MobiKin Doctor for Android (Windows version)
• Download MobiKin Doctor for Android (Mac version)

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Sponsored: FonePaw Android Recovery

FonePaw Android Data Recovery can detect and recover deleted or lost files from Android devices through a clean and intuitive UI. Coupled with its powerful data recovery capacity, supporting multiple Android OS versions and devices, it's a top-tier tool for recovering your lost data.

• FonePaw Android Data Recovery (for Mac or PC)

FonePaw can detect and recover lost files from Android devices. / © FonePaw

Don't lose a text message again

Maybe you've learned your lesson, maybe you haven't. If you want to avoid the panic of losing your messages, the best thing to do is to back up your SMS messages regularly. The good news is, doing so only takes five minutes.
I use a free app called SMS Backup & Restore. It's straightforward, looks nice and works perfectly: all you need for this type of operation. Check out the screenshots below for the walkthrough.
SMS Backup & Restore 1. Once you've downloaded and installed SMS Backup & Restore, open the app and tap Backup.
2. Next, choose what exactly you want to create a backup of, then – crucially – tap Local backup and upload if you want to send your backup to Google Drive, Dropbox or an email address.
3. Make your selection from the list that appears and then tap OK.

SMS Backup & Restore is clean and simple to use. / © AndroidPIT

Hit Backup, make your selections and tap OK. / © AndroidPIT

4. To restore your backed-up SMS messages, tap Restore on the app's home screen, then, on the Restore Backup page, you can just tap the backup name in the list to restore it (if it's stored locally).
5. If your backup is stored in the cloud, tap the overflow menu (three dots) at the top right, then Load from and select whichever cloud service it's stored on.

You can back your messages up to cloud storage, then restore them. / © AndroidPIT

6. There are plenty of extra options in SMS Backup & Restore, including scheduled backups and password protection. You can find these by tapping the overflow menu icon at the top right of the app's home screen, then hit Preferences.

Take advantage of the opportunity to schedule backups and more. / © AndroidPIT

• How to back up everything on Android
• How to transfer everything from iPhone to Android

Have you ever lost your text messages by accident? Did you manage to recover them? Share your tips and experiences in the comments.

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How to stop apps updating automatically in Google Play

If you've ever picked up your phone to see that Google Play is going crazy and auto-updating app after app, you might feel your stomach tightening up as you see your data allowance evaporating into thin air. Fortunately, this is easy to solve. We'll show you how to stop apps from updating automatically so that Google Play only updates when and how you want it to.

• What to do when Google Play isn't working
• The most common Play Store errors explained

As a general rule, apps you have installed from Google Play will download updates automatically (called auto-update apps) in order to improve their performance on your tablet or smartphone. Generally speaking, this is a good thing, but it can also slow down your phone, use up your mobile data and stop you from doing other things with your device. This is where manually updating apps can be more practical.

Generally speaking, you should keep your apps updated, but do so on your terms. / © ANDROIDPIT

• How to install apps outside of Google Play
• How to buy a paid app in the Google Play Store

How to disable auto-update apps in Google Play

1. Open Google Play and swipe out the navigation drawer. Choose Settings.
2. In the Play Store settings, tap Auto-update apps.
3. You'll see three options (which can be changed at any time): Do not auto-update apps; Auto-update apps at any time. Data charges may apply; and Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only.

You'll just need to select 'Do not auto-update'.' / © ANDROIDPIT

4. Choose the first one. Note that this means you will always need to manually update all apps in the future. If you still want apps to update automatically, just not on your data connection, select Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only.

How to manually update apps in the Play Store

1. If you've told the Play Store not to auto-update apps, you'll have to do it manually. To manually update an app, you must go to My apps in Google Play, so open the navigation drawer and select it (from under the main Apps & games category).

Check 'My apps' for available updates and install them one at a time or all at once. / © ANDROIDPIT

2. You will be shown a tab view of your apps: the ones currently installed on your device and a master list of every app you've ever downloaded. In the Installed list, you'll see the apps are broken up into categories: Updates, Recently updated and Up-to-date. 
3. Apps with updates available are listed at the top. You can choose to install them one at a time or all of them with the Update All button at the top.
Do you have any other tricks for managing your app updates? Share your best tips in the comments.

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  Bottom line is this... Google has a problem that Google created and Google needs to solve it. "Unfortunately, Google play services has stopped". They need to just change it to "Unfortunately, Google Play services now suck". You may wonder why... well the new update is loaded with tracking BS to sell to advertisers. Of course Google sold their soul to the devil with Google adwords but that is another topic. Looks like Microsoft is going to be in business for quite a while. The Google idiots had a chance and instead of leaving the Andriod OS intact they decided to gut it and exploit it.... so bite it Google.

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How to back up Android and keep your data safe

Backups are indispensable. Whether it's a backup of your Android smartphone, your photo albums or your laptop PC, backups come in at just the right moment to save the day. There is nothing worse than losing everything on your phone or computer and realizing you never backed anything up. So here are a few methods for making an Android backup.

• What is an APK and how do I install one?
• Best antivirus and security apps for Android

Sponsored: MobiKin Assistant for Android

You should always back up your data as you never know when you might accidentally delete something valuable. Losing precious data can happen not just when you lose your phone. It could also happen when you perform updates or clean out your files to save space. Whatever the reason, you should keep your data backed up.

• How to save text messages to computer

Now with MobiKin Assistant for Android, backing up your data has never been easier. You can ensure you never lose your contacts, text messages, apps, photos, music, videos and more. It safely exports them to your computer in their original format and retains the quality of your data.

Back up all of your data on MobiKin's user-friendly interface. / © MobiKin

Getting started on keeping your data safe with MobiKin is fast and simple and once you've downloaded the software you can back up your data with just one click. Let MobiKin do the work and you'll enjoy the peace-of-mind of having your data secured.
If you are a PC owner just follow this link to get started.
If you own a Mac, follow this link.
Follow the few steps after downloading and your data will be safely backed up and your phone will have more free memory.

Google backup

As you probably know, Google is more than willing to help keep all your apps and data safe. If you go into your phone's settings, you'll find a section called Backup & Reset. In here you'll find an option for backing up your data, including Wi-Fi passwords, preferences and app data. All of this will be tied to your Google account, which you can set to automatically restore when you re-install an app.

Backing up app data to your Google account is the easiest kind of backup. / © ANDROIDPIT

• How to install WhatsApp on PC
• How to enable WhatsApp voice calling

App backup (for non-rooted phones)

There are plenty of useful backup solutions in the Play Store. Some for specific purposes like backing up your text messages and others for an all-in-one backup. Easy Backup & Restore is a free app that lets you back up your contacts, call logs, text messages, calendars and bookmarks.

It's all in the name: Easy backup & Restore is a breeze for creating backups. / © ANDROIDPIT

Easy Backup doesn't back up your photos, music, videos or documents. These are very easy to back up yourself though using a USB cable and your computer: just locate the appropriate folders on your phone in a Windows Explorer window and copy and paste the contents to your computer.
Easy Backup & Restore How to back up everything on Android with Easy Backup & Restore
1. Download Easy Backup on your Android device.
2. When you launch the app, you'll be asked if you want to create a backup. Tap Yes.
3. You'll then see a bunch of check boxes next to the things you can back up: SMS, MMS, call logs, calendar, bookmarks, dictionary and contacts. Make your selections and tap OK.

Create backup and choose what to save. / © ANDROIDPIT

4. You'll be asked for a save location for your backup. Make your selection and tap it.
5. If you select a cloud service you'll have to sign in. If you select SD card you'll have to confirm the directory.

Choose a backup location and choose your directory (for SD card backups). / © ANDROIDPIT

Alternatively, you can choose another option like Gmail. To do this, you just need choose Gmail from the options and send your information there. Remember though that you may need to send your data in segments due to restrictions on volume.
6. You'll then be asked to give the backup a file name. The date and time is the default. If you have multiple devices you might want to modify the file name to include the device you're backing up.

Adda file name for your backup and sit back and relax. / © ANDROIDPIT

7. You'll then see a progress page when your data is being backed up. Once completed, you'll get a pop up window with a summary of what was backed up.

You'll get a summary of the backup and a pass message when completed. / © ANDROIDPIT

8. If your phone is rooted, you can also back up your apps and app data. If not, you can still tap on the Apps Tools tab in the main menu and create a backup of the APKs on your phone. APKs are like an .exe on a computer: it's the program or app package. If your Google settings are enabled to back up your app data and settings (outlined above) you can use this option to back up the apps themselves and Google's backup to save the settings and data in the apps.
9. Just check the boxes next to the apps you want to save and hit Backup at the bottom.

Even if you can't back up all your app data you can save the app package files (APK). / © ANDROIDPIT

10. When you want to restore your apps or data, just hit the Restore tab. You'll be prompted to set Easy backup as the default SMS app. You can change this back once your backup has been restored.

Restoring backups is a piece of cake. / © ANDROIDPIT

11. Select the backup you want to restore and tap it. You'll see a pop up with details of what will be restored. Tap OK and you're done.

Choose what to restore (left) and keep an eye on archived apps (right) / © ANDROIDPIT

12. Restoring your apps is slightly different. Go back to Apps Tools in the main menu and tap the Archived tab.
13. You can check off the APKs you want to restore, then tap Install at the bottom.
14. You'll then see the permissions screen for each app, like you would with any new app you install.

App backup (for rooted phones)

If your phone is rooted then there is no better backup solution than Titanium Backup. Titanium Backup lets you back up absolutely everything on your phone. The complete backup can be restored at any time and you can set up scheduled backups so you have a regular snapshot of your Android phone's contents.

Titanium Backup is in many ways the gold standard for Android backups. / © ANDROIDPIT

Backups can be performed without even closing the apps you're currently using and they can be saved as flashable zips. Titanium also lets you transfer files between the SD card and your phone with the utmost ease.
Titanium Backup ★ root How to back up everything on Android with Titanium Backup
1. Download the Titanium Backup app on your rooted Android.
2. Start the app and grant it root privileges. You'll be asked to read some disclaimers and so on (this is a good idea).

Titanium needs superuser permission in order to do full backups. / © ANDROIDPIT

3. You need to have USB Debugging enabled on your phone.
4. In Titanium you'll see three tabs. One is an Overview tab with information on your device, the second is Backup/Restore where all the fun stuff takes place and the third is for scheduling regular backups.
5. Go to the Backup and Restore tab. You'll see a list of your phone's contents along with icons that indicate whether or not they have been backed up. Triangular warning signs mean you have no backup and smiley faces are pretty self explanatory.

Overview provides information on your device and Backup/Restore is where the fun begins./ © ANDROIDPIT

6. If you want to back up your system data or apps, tap the little document with a check mark on it at the top. This will take you to the batch actions list.
7. You can then tap Run next to whatever action you want completed. If you want to back up your apps, tap Run next to Backup all User Apps and if you want to back up your system data tap Run next to Backup all System Data.

Batch Actions gives you options to back up apps, data and much more. / © ANDROIDPIT

8. Titanium will then go through the process of creating your backup. This may take a while.
9. Once completed, your backup will be labeled with the date and saved. You can also create an update.zip file to be flashed through recovery if you like, or you can restore through Titanium itself.
10. To restore in Titanium, just go to the Batch Actions screen again and scroll down. You'll see options under the Restore setting for the actions you completed earlier: in this case, Restore all apps with data and Restore all system data.

Restoring apps and system data is equally easy. / © ANDROIDPIT

11. Tap Run next to the actions you want to restore.
12. You'll then have the option to restore everything you backed up or just some sections of it. Make your choices and tap the green check mark in the top right-hand corner.

PC backup

Helium is a great tool for creating a complete backup without root access. You install the Helium app on your phone, grab the desktop version as well and pair the two. Once you've made the connection, you can do Titanium-like backups without needing root access. You simply tell Helium which apps and data you want to back up and away it goes. The Pro version lets you schedule automatic backups and store your backups in the cloud.
Helium - App Sync and Backup

Helium, in combination with your PC, is an unbeatable combination for backups. / © ANDROIDPIT

How to install Helium on Android and PC
1. Download the Helium app on your Android.
2. Install Helium on your PC.
3. Connect your Android to your PC with a USB cable.

Install Helium on your computer and phone and make the connection. / © ANDROIDPIT

4. Enable USB Debugging on your Android.
5. You might be asked to switch your USB connection type to PTP (camera mode).
6. You'll be prompted to accept your computer's RSA key.

Once you've paired the two devices you'll have enabled Helium backups. / © ANDROIDPIT

7. You'll see a green check mark in the Helium window on your PC, letting you know that the connection has been made and Helium backups are now enabled.

When you see this on your computer it's a good thing. / © ANDROIDPIT

8. You'll see the same message on your Android. You can now disconnect your Android from your PC.
9. Note that if you turn your Android off you'll need to reestablish the connection between Helium on your phone and on your PC.

Helium can perform Titanium-like backups without needing root access. / © ANDROIDPIT

How to backup Android with Helium
1. On your Android you'll see you have two tabs in Helium: Backup and Restore & Sync. The first tab lets you choose which apps you want to back up by placing a check mark next to them.
2. If you want to save all your apps, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. You will see a summary of your backup choices as well as the option to Select All.

Select all apps (right) or choose 'app data only' for smaller backups. / © ANDROIDPIT

3. You can choose to backup everything (apps and data) or just the data (which is faster). In the latter case, if you restore your backup at a later date you'll simply have to manually reinstall your apps. Note that there are some apps Helium can't back up. They are listed at the bottom.
4. The slide up window is also where you hit the Backup button. When you hit Backup you will be asked where you want to save your backup: internal or external storage or a cloud service (Pro version only).

Backup destinations include memory, external SD cards or cloud services. / © ANDROIDPIT

5. In the Restore and Sync tab you can connect a cloud service for storing and accessing your backups. You can also access saved backups on your internal memory or connect with your other devices.
6. When you make your selection you may be prompted to ensure you have no password set for full backups, or to enter your device's PIN or password if you are encrypted. Once you've done this the backup will complete.

You may need to input passwords or encrypt your backup too. / © ANDROIDPIT

7. When it comes time to restore your backup, simply open the Restore & Sync tab and locate your backup. You can also connect to the Helium sever for PC downloads.

You can also download your backups with Helium. / © ANDROIDPIT

PC backup

If all of this sounds way too complicated, simply connect your Android phone to your PC with a USB cable, open a Windows Explorer window and navigate to your phone. Here you will see a bunch of folders including photos, videos, music and documents.

Connecting your phone to your computer with a USB is an easy way to back up. / © AndroidPIT

Just go into each folder and copy/paste the stuff you want to save onto your computer for safekeeping. This is a pretty handy thing to do even if you have other backup solutions at hand, because there's no such thing as too many backups. But if you want to retrieve it at a later date then you'll need to get back on your PC.

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